Brexit has not been kind on EU actors who want to work in video games, since most opportunities are in the UK. But casting someone from outside the UK isn’t too complicated. I have compiled some information on the legal stuff needed to have me over. Ultimately, there are three options for me to come work on a project in the UK. I can visit for a paid engagement (the easiest and quickest option for one or a few sessions), apply for a visa and be allowed to work up to 12 months. Or  work up to 3 months without a visa.

• I can come and work in the UK for a ‘Permitted Paid Engagement’ as a regular visitor for one or several recording sessions. To do this I need a formal Letter of Engagement/Invitation from the client, explaining the engagement including dates, location and how it relates to my expertise and experience. If any accomodations have been arranged these also need to be set out in the letter. The engagement must be done within 1 month of my arrival. There is no limit on how many times a PPE can be issed during a year.

• I can come and work in the UK for up to 3 months with a 'Creative Worker visa concession', which means I don’t need a visa, only a certificate of sponsorship from the employer. This entails no waiting period for a visa and I could be traveling within a few short days.

• I can come and work in the UK for up to 12 months with a 'Creative Worker visa (Temporary Work)' + a certificate of sponsorship from the employer. This takes up to 3 weeks to apply for (faster decisions can be paid for £500). This option is very pricey on my end as it requires a fair deal of funds and needs more preparations.

The second and third option requires the following from the employer:

• The job needs to pay at least minimum salary as set by Equity, PACT or BECTU.

• A (undefined) 'Certificate of Sponsorship'. If you are not familiar with this, a CoS is a digital reference number and an electronic record of me as a foreign worker. The employer applies for the CoS via the home office and then sends it to me to show border personel upon arrival. The process of applying for a CoS usually takes 1 working day and requires a fee of £25.

• To read up on a CoS and how to apply you can have a look here and here.

  To apply for a CoS your business must have a sponsor license, i.e an official authorization from the home office to sponsor foreign workers. If you are not already licensed, all info on how to obtain it can be found here.